City Girl Gone Country

Last week we danced together to a fortuitous and rare ice storm here on Dream Tree Bayou. Oh, but this week, we’re dancing to the typical temperate winter weather – perfect weather for raking up pine straw.

Why would I want to attempt this chore on such a glorious day, you ask? Ah! Gentle Readers, that’s because raking is a most a dignified task. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Raking means a day outside with the trees.

This city girl was born with a country soul, and though my penchant was always for the indoors, I recently discovered that this only applies when I’m in the big city, assaulted by bright lights and unpleasant sounds. Here in the country, I’ve turned sweet on the outdoors because I get to spend lots of time with the trees.

My wooded friends invited me outside to rake up their straw. The way I figure it is, moving around this nature-provided mulch will save me money (I had to pay for this stuff when I was a city girl!), and will encourage the continued growth of the saplings who have taken root this winter.

Look at this perky little fellow. Who couldn’t love a tree? I’ll hug him when he gets a little older.

My designs on this piece of earth include many more trees than currently exist here. A wooded place is my idea of heaven.

Alas, the sun began its quotidian descent. Why must he continue to do so? Can’t he stay up there just a little while longer – on occasion, at least – say, for raking day?

No, ’twas not to be. It was time to put the rake away, at least until another day.

I’ll be back in this picturesque place again soon. If you decide to join me, bring your rake.

Is that a tiny pine you have growing there Stacy? A baby pine tree began to grow in my garden and it has grown into quite a large tree. The trouble is, it isn’t in the best place for a large pine tree! I can’t bear the thought of chopping it down, so I’m looking at how I can change the surrounding area to suit the tree.

I will be joining you in spirit when you return to your trees, with my rake, garden shoes, hat, shovel….. 🙂

Glad you could come, Joanne, even if only in spirit. Yes, that is a Scotch pine tree – they grow like weeds down here. But it’s best to let them come up away from the house – high winds can blow them down! ❤

I am so happy for you that you can finally spend all the time you want enjoying your beloved trees, hearing them whispering in the wind and breathing in the wonderful scents of the woodlands. It looks like such a peaceful and soothing place. Love the little sapling – it’s amazing how they start out so tiny! There is nothing so soothing to the soul than spending time in nature. xx

I really enjoy reading your stories. This was really brought back memories. Many an afternoon in my high school years I would come home from school and your Grandmother would be in her yard raking or just sitting out. I would go over and talk to her. I really enjoyed those afternoons.

Dearest Stacy,
You are so right, being with trees and breathing clean, fresh air is a privilege! We also have a wood garden, it was wild, we were the first humans that tamed it to get rid of the briar weeds and such. We planted several evergreen trees and it starts looking better each year. Provided, Mother Nature is with us… not too dry and not too hot. Enjoy your outdoor activity.
Hugs to you,
Mariette